Peelable dinnerware

ABSTRACT

A peelable plate can include a base, a plurality of liner layers disposed adjacent to the top surface of the base, a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layer and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers. Each of the liner layers can include a tab portion extending outwardly from each respective liner layer. The base can have a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of liner layers, and the base can have a greater thickness than each of the plurality of liner layers.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure is generally related to disposable food serving items, and, in particular, multi-use disposable food serving items.

Description of the Related Art

In current times, people are becoming more concerned about the environment, excess waste, management of natural resources, and issues regarding sustainability.

With regard to the preparation and eating of meals, the use of traditional ceramic or plastic dishware (or other food containers) requires the washing of the dishware after a meal is completed. While such traditional dishware is reusable, the washing of dishware (either by hand or via an automatic dishwasher) after meals can use thousands of gallons per year of water. The use of this large amount of water can be considered to be environmentally unfriendly by many people.

As an alternative to traditional dishware, people can use plastic or paper disposable dishware, such as paper plates. While the use of such disposable dishware has the benefit of not requiring washing, and the use of large amounts of water, the use of disposable dishware has other detrimental environmental effects.

For example, the use of traditional disposable dishware generates large amounts of paper and plastic waste annually. To efficiently support food for eating, disposal dishware typically requires a certain weight and thickness to provide adequate rigidity. After many consecutive meals, the aggregate accumulation of traditional dishware can have detrimental environmental effects.

Thus, there is a need in the food container art to provide food containers and dishware that does not require washing, and can minimize the accumulation of trash waste.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention address the above-discussed and other problems in the art.

Embodiments of the invention can include a peelable plate comprising: a base; a plurality of liner layers disposed adjacent to the top surface of the base; a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers; and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers.

In some embodiments, the liner adhesive layers include adhesive properties that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another liner layer of the plurality of liner layers while the another liner layer remains in its original position.

In some embodiments, the base adhesive layer includes adhesive properties that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from other liner layers of the plurality of liner layers while the other liner layers of the plurality of liner layers remain in their original positions.

In some embodiments, each of the liner layers include a tab portion extending outwardly from each respective liner layer. In some embodiments, the base adhesive layer is a base coating on a top surface of the base. In some embodiments, the base coating includes a natural wax, such as soy wax. In some embodiments, the liner adhesive layers include an oil-based substance. In some embodiments, the plurality of liner layers are compressed against the base.

In some embodiments, the base is formed of a paper-based material infused with cellulose fiber. In some embodiments, the base has a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of liner layers. In some embodiments, the base has a greater thickness than each of the plurality of liner layers. In some embodiments, each of the liner layers has a basis weight in the range of 30-60 pounds. In some embodiments, each of the liner layers has a basis weight in the range of 35-45 pounds. In some embodiments, each of the liner layers has a basis weight of 40 pounds.

In some embodiments, the liner adhesive layers include a coating that is added to each side of each of the liner layers, the coating having a coating weight in the range of 2-20 pounds. In some embodiments, the coating has a coating weight in the range of 5-15 pounds. In some embodiments, the coating has a coating weight in the range of 9 pounds. In some embodiments, the base has a thickness in the range of 3-5 mm. In some embodiments, the base has a thickness of 3 mm. In some embodiments, a top surface of the base defines a recess in the base, and the plurality of liner layers are disposed, at least in part, within the recess in the base.

In some embodiments, the plurality of liner layers includes in the range of 10-50 liner layers. In some embodiments, the plurality of liner layers includes in the range of 20-25 liner layers. In some embodiments, the plurality of liner adhesive layers form a food resistant barrier between the plurality of liner layers. In some embodiments, each liner adhesive layer is disposed around a perimeter region of each liner layer.

Embodiments of the invention can include a peelable food container comprising: a base; a plurality of liner layers disposed against the top surface of the base; and a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers; and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers, wherein each of the liner layers include a tab portion extending outwardly from each respective liner layer.

Embodiments of the invention can include a method of forming a peelable food plate, the peelable food plate including a base, a plurality of liner layers disposed adjacent to the top surface of the base, a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers, and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers, the method comprising: compressing and heating the base, base adhesive layer, liner layers and liner adhesive layers to form the peelable plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peelable plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the peel plate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional partially exploded view of the peel plate of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of a peelable plate, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a peelable bowl, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of a peelable cup, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a peelable sauce cup, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views of a peelable tray, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an example embodiment” or “an illustrated embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a peelable plate 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, peelable plate 100 includes a base 110 and a plurality of peelable liner layers 150 disposed adjacent to base 110. Liner adhesive layers 154 are disposed between liner layers 150.

A user can beneficially use peelable plate 100 to serve and eat a meal. After the meal is finished, a top liner layer 150 a can be removed from the a next liner layer 150 b and discarded. The user is then left with a clean liner layer 150 so that the peel plate 100 can be reused without the need to wash the peel plate. Further, as discussed below in further detail, because each of the liner layers 150 are thinner than the base 110 (and thinner than a typical disposable plate), less waste is generated by merely throwing out a liner layer than if an entire plate were to be discarded. Further, because the peelable plate 100 includes a plurality of (e.g., 25) liner layers 150, the peelable plate can be reused multiple times without having to disposed of the peelable plate 100 or the base 110. As discussed in further detail below, the base 110 is thicker and more rigid than the liner layers 150, and provides stability and firmness to the peelable plate 100.

The liner adhesive layers 154 disposed between the liner layers 150 include characteristics such that when food and liquid is placed on a top liner layer 150 a, the food and liquid is prevented from touching or contaminating next liner layer 150 b disposed below top liner layer 150 a. In other words, an adhesive layer 154 disposed between two liner layers 150 forms a food and liquid resistant seal between the layers.

On the other hand, and liner adhesive layer 154 allows a user to peel away or remove a top liner layer 150 a from another liner layer 150 b directly below liner layer 150 a, while liner layer 150 b and the remainder of the liner layers 150 remain in place.

In some embodiments, each liner layer 150 can include a tab portion 152 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away liner layer 150. In some embodiments, each respective tab portion may not include a respective liner adhesive layer 154 so that tab portion 152 may be more easily held and separated from an adjacent tab portion 152 of another liner layer 150. In some embodiments, tab portions 152 can extend diagonally out from corner portions of respective liner layers 150.

In some embodiments, a base adhesive layer 170 can be used to secure multiple liner layers 150 to base 110.

In some embodiments, base 110 can include a substantially rectangular floor 124. Floor 124 can include floor sides 126 which meet at floor corner portions 128. In an embodiment, base side walls 112 extend outward from floor 124. Base side walls 112 can be of a sufficient height such that food can be satisfactorily maintained on peelable plate 100. Base side walls 112 can meet at base side corners 116. Extension walls 114 can extend perpendicularly outward from side walls 112. Extension walls 114 can include extension wall edges 120 that meet at extension wall corners 122. A base bend 118 can be formed at the intersection of the side walls 112 and extension walls 114. In some embodiments, a liner layer extension portion 156 can form a seal against extensions walls 114 via liner adhesive layer 154 such that food and liquid is stopped from contacting lower liner adhesive layers 154. In such an arrangement, liner layer corners 158 can align with respective extension wall corners 122.

With reference to the cross-sectional schematic view shown in FIG. 4, each liner layer 150 (e.g., 150 a, 150 b, 150 c) and respective liner adhesive layer 154 (e.g., 154 a, 154 b, 154 c) can be shaped to fit into the recess 172 defined by a top surface 174 of base 110. Further, depending on a shape of top surface 174 of base 110, the plurality of liner layers 150 a shaped and dimensioned to fit the contours formed on the top surface 174 of base 110. Thus, a liner layer floor 162 can be shaped to fit against a top surface 174 of floor 124 of base 110. The multiple liner layers 150 can be secured to top surface 174 of floor of base 110 via a base adhesive layer 170. Similarly, liner layer side walls 160 can be shaped to fit against respective base side walls 112.

In one embodiment of the invention, a peelable plate 100 can include a single base 110 and in the range of 10-50 liner layers 150, or alternatively, 20-25 liner layers 150. In other embodiments, more or fewer liner layers my be included in peelable plate 100.

Base 110 can be thicker and more rigid than liner layers 150. base 110 provides structure and support for peelable plate 100 and the liner layers 150. In some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness (before any coating or adhesive layer is applied) in the range of 3-5 mm, and in some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness of 3 mm. Liner layers 150 can have a basis weight (before any coating or adhesive layer is applied) in the range of 30-60 lb., in some embodiments 35-45 lb., and in some embodiments 40 lb. Alternatively, other ranges can be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.

This combination of base 110 thickness and relative liner layer 150 thinness beneficially allows a relatively large amount of liner layers 150 to be combined to form a sturdy peelable plate 100 which can be reused (by peeling off liner layers 150) for a relatively large number of meals before the base 110 is discarded (e.g., thrown out or recycled).

The base adhesive layer 170 can include a non-toxic food safe adhesive or edible glue. Alternatively, other suitable substances can be used, Base adhesive layer 170 should be of sufficient thickness, composition and adhesiveness such that a stack of multiple liner layers 150 can be secured to base 110, and that when a top liner layer 150 is peeled away from and removed from a stack of multiple liner layers 150, the remaining liner layers 150 remain affixed to the base 110.

In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be formed from coating liner layers 150 on each side (i.e., a top and bottom surface) with a coating weight in the range of 2-20 lb. In some embodiments, a coating weight in the range of 10-15 lb. can be used. In some embodiments, a coating weight in the range of 9 lb. can be used. Alternatively, other ranges can be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the coating can include an oil-based or other biodegradable coating, such as, by way of non-limiting example, bees wax, soy wax, silicon wax, or another suitable waxy substance, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a silicone oil could be used as the coating. Preferably, the liner adhesive layers should be substantially odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

In some embodiments, base 110 can be formed of paper or a paper-like substance, and can include sugarcane pulp and/or wood pulp, or another suitable substance, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. Liner layers 150 can be formed of a paper suitable for providing peelable coverage of the base 110, such as, for example, a paper formed from wood pulp, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term basis weight is intended to have the meaning as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As is known to those of skill in the art, basis weight measures paper density in terms of the weight per unit area of a ream of paper that has been cut to a standard size during the manufacturing process.

As used herein, the term coat weight is intended to have the meaning as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the term coating weight is a measure of the amount of coating added to a base stock of paper in the manufacturing of coated papers. In some cases, coat weight is measured as pounds of coating on the surface of a 25×38-inch ream of paper.

In some embodiments, a peelable plate 100 can be formed by compressing and heating base 110, base adhesive layer 170, multiple liner layers 150 and liner adhesive layers 154 with a high pressure heat press. During the compressing and heating process, the wax or other substances comprising the liner adhesive layers 154 are forced outward toward and to the outer perimeter edges of the liner layers 150, creating a food resistant seal between liner layers 154 to prevent food or liquid particles from penetrating from a top liner layer 150 to other layers 150. This configuration provides protection against mold, and generally allows for a food safe product. In addition, during the compressing and heating process, the multiple liner layers 150 and be shaped to conform to the shape of the recess 172 defined by the top surface 174 of base 110. Further, in some embodiments, the liner adhesive can be formed largely at a peripheral perimeter portion of liner layers 150.

In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be added to liner layers 150 by running the liner layer 150 sheets through rollers that are dipped in to a melted wax or other suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesive could be coated on in other manners, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.

Due to the specific above-discussed design features, a peelable plate can be provided that exhibits many beneficial properties. For example, the peelable plate can be microwavable, grease resistant, water resistant, heat resistant, slice-resistant, and eco-friendly. Further, an oil-based or other biodegradable liner adhesive layer provides a non-stick surface for the peelable plate. In addition, embodiments of the peelable plate can be compostable.

A slice-resistant quality is derived from a combination of the adhesive layers, thickness of each liner layer, an alignment of fibers of the liner layers, and a tightly compact formation (i.e., being compressed together) of the layers.

Further, by using the peelable plate as described herein, a user be save money, time, and water. The peelable plate can be reused for multiple meals without it needing to be washed.

Other embodiments of the invention can be formed in shapes different from that of peelable plate 100.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 58, there is shown a substantially round peelable plate 500, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable plate 500 includes a substantially round plate base 510 and a substantially round extension wall edge 520.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a peelable bowl 600, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, Peelable bowl 600 includes a substantially round bowl base 610 and a substantially round extension wall edge 620. Bowl base 610 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded bowl-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 78, there is shown a peelable cup 700, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable cup 700 includes a substantially round bowl base 710 and a substantially round extension wall edge 720. Cup base 710 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded cup-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown a peelable sauce cup 800, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable sauce cup 800 includes a substantially round and tapered bowl base 810 and a substantially round extension wall edge 820. Cup base 810 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded sauce cup-like manner.

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 98, there is shown a peelable tray 900, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable tray 900 includes a substantially rectangular tray base 910 and a substantially rectangular extension wall edge 920. tray base 810 is shaped and dimensioned in a serving tray-like manner.

These and other changes can be made in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all medical treatment devices in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A peelable plate comprising: a base; a plurality of liner layers disposed adjacent to the top surface of the base; a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers; and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers.
 2. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the liner adhesive layers include adhesive properties that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another liner layer of the plurality of liner layers while the another liner layer remains in its original position.
 3. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base adhesive layer includes adhesive properties that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from other liner layers of the plurality of liner layers while the other liner layers of the plurality of liner layers remain in their original positions.
 4. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein each of the liner layers include a tab portion extending outwardly from each respective liner layer.
 5. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base adhesive layer is a base coating on a top surface of the base.
 6. The peelable plate of claim 5, wherein the base coating includes an oil-based substance.
 7. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the liner adhesive layers include a soy wax.
 8. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of liner layers are compressed against the base.
 9. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base is formed of a paper-based material infused with cellulose fiber.
 10. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base has a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of liner layers.
 11. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base has a greater thickness than each of the plurality of liner layers.
 12. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein each of the liner layers has a basis weight in the range of 30-60 pounds.
 13. The peelable plate of claim 12, wherein each of the liner layers has a basis weight in the range of 35-45 pounds.
 14. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the liner adhesive layers include a coating that is added to each side of each of the liner layers, the coating having a coating weight in the range of 2-20 pounds.
 15. The peelable plate of claim 14, wherein the coating has a coating weight in the range of 5-15 pounds.
 16. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base has a thickness in the range of 3-5 mm.
 17. The peelable plate of claim 16, wherein the base has a thickness of 3 mm.
 18. The peelable plate of claim 17, wherein a top surface of the base defines a recess in the base, and wherein the plurality of liner layers are disposed, at least in part, within the recess in the base.
 19. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of liner layers includes in the range of 10-50 liner layers.
 20. The peelable plate of claim 19, wherein the plurality of liner layers includes in the range of 15-25 liner layers.
 21. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of liner adhesive layers form a food resistant barrier between the plurality of liner layers.
 22. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein each liner adhesive layer is disposed around a perimeter region of each liner layer.
 23. A peelable food container comprising: a base; a plurality of liner layers disposed against the top surface of the base; and a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers; and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers, wherein each of the liner layers include a tab portion extending outwardly from each respective liner layer.
 24. A method of forming a peelable food plate, the peelable food plate including a base, a plurality of liner layers disposed adjacent to the top surface of the base, a base adhesive layer disposed between the base and the plurality of liner layers, and a plurality of liner adhesive layers disposed between the liner layers, the method comprising: coating the liner layers with liner adhesive; coating the base with base adhesive; and compressing and heating the base, base adhesive layer, liner layers and liner adhesive layers to form the peelable plate. 